Next weekend EBBC will be hosting a candidate weekend for the position of Pastor of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation. Our candidate, Joe Bolduc, following multiple interviews, is being unanimously recommended by our elders to our congregation to assume this pastoral role.

Personally, I am beyond thrilled that Joe is coming to EBBC to candidate. Besides being one of my closest friends, his life, love for Christ and others are consistent challenges to my life. We had the privilege of partnering together in the gospel for nearly a decade at Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, NH where Joe serves as Pastor of Member Care and Connection.

Joe, like me, married "up" to his his wonderful Bride, Kelly. I mentioned to someone the other day that for me, the possibility of the Bolduc's coming to EBBC is like the excitement I feel on Christmas Eve when I know I have been able to put gifts under the tree that my kids are going to absolutely love! I believe the Bolduc's could be an absolute grace gift to our EBBC family! The reason I say that is that in the nearly two years that I have been at EBBC, I have consistently observed how important relationships, family and caring for one another are in our church. (I LOVE that about our church!) The Bolduc's are just so personal and are really "wired" relationally! :-) I think they would be an incredible "fit!" But, don't take my word for it. You will be able to make your own decision following next weekend! Here are the opportunities you will have to get to know Joe and his family:

Sunday, October 15th, 9am and 10:45am: Joe Bolduc will preach in both services.

Sunday, October 22nd: EBBC Family Meeting To Vote on Joe Bolduc

In order to give you an initial introduction to Joe and Kelly, we asked them a few questions. See below.

Joe, please tell us briefly about your family.

My wife Kelly and I praise God for 14 great years together. We have 5 wonderful children, Sabrina 12, Courtney 10, CJ (Christopher Joseph) 9, Sylvia 7, and Jocelyn 2 (Jocelyn is our foster daughter we are hoping to adopt). We love to camp, swim, play board games and eat pizza!

Joe, could you give us a brief overview of your story of God's saving grace?

I echo the words of Paul in 1Corinthians 15:10 when he said, “But by the grace of God I am what am.” I grew up in a religious family but threw off the veneer of religion early. I spent most of my young adult life living in the passions of my flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind. This led me to drug and alcohol rehabs and eventually to Alcoholics Anonymous. It was during this time God in His great mercy and love caused my eyes to be opened to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. My sister, who had trusted Christ years earlier, shared the exclusive claims the scripture makes of salvation in Jesus Christ. I turned from my sin and trusted Christ shortly after in a little Baptist church in New Hampshire. Now, everyday I wake up I remember how Jesus rescued me from the wrath of God and I praise Him for his wonderful matchless grace.

Joe, what is your personality like and what "makes you tick" in ministry?

I would describe my personality as open and transparent. By the grace of God I try to be the same person in my home with my family as I am in public or with the church. I enjoy meeting people and hearing about their lives. I particularly love to point others to Jesus. My passion is to see people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, grow in grace, and be sent out to do the same with others.

Kelly, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your passions?

I was born again into God's family when I was 15 years old, and life since then has been a fairly steady progress of growing in grace and the knowledge of Him. There have been starts and stops, struggles and failings, but I am learning every day just how amazing His grace and mercy are! I am passionate about God, my family, and the church. I love studying the Bible and teaching others to devote themselves to knowing Him in the Word. I love to spend time with my family- swimming, hiking, camping, and exploring our region of the country.